SPRINGFIELD-- Winter is the most popular time of the year to quit smoking; many people use New Year ’s Eve as a time to start the new year, as well as a new, healthier, lifestyle. 

A spokesperson with the Illinois Dept. of Public Health, Sabrina Miller says it is difficult to go cold turkey which is why the state has resources to help you quit…

“We have a quit line at 1-866-QuitYes where we have trained counselors where they can create a ‘quit plan’ for you and really help on the road towards tobacco independency.”

Health experts say that your body begins to feel the effects of quitting almost immediately. 

Your chance of lung infection and improved circulation begins just weeks after quitting and after one year of quitting your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.